#rethinkeurope 2018: Changing Perspectives

"There is so much for the world to learn from Africa and to become as inspired by it as I have become."

Dr Eliada Wosu Griffin-EL

Associate Professor & Director of the Massey Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Robert Morris University

"I think we are in a time where Europe is rethinking itself. And this is a perfect time for Europe to look towards other parts of the world. And Africa is a very interesting place to look at."

Nwabisa Mayema

Executive Director at nnfinity, Cape Town

"Europe and Africa have much more in common than there are differences. There are ties that go back a long time between the two continents. And as we reinvent and look at new ways to partner, there is a lot to build on."

Euvin Naidoo

World Economic Forum, Young Global Leader Alumnus at Harvard Business School

"Europe is the idea and the practice of living together in peace and understanding that cooperation brings benefits and beauties."

Georg Kell

Chairman of the Board at Arabesque Partners, Founding Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact

"Europe means dialogue - and that takes place with #rethinkeurope here in Passau."

Manfred Weber

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the EPP Group

"Europe's biggest challenge is global competition for resources, innovation and prosperity. But also, the fight for the environment: does Europe manage to speak with one voice in this case?"

Zhengrong Liu

Member of the Executive Board, Human Resources & Corporate Communications of Beiersdorf AG

"I believe the most exciting thing is this variety of impressions from African and European side and the common effort to find out what is the right way into the future."

Dr Michael Spindlegger

Former Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Director General, International Center for Migration Policy Development

"In Brussels we have representatives of all 28 Member States and I can really say that this cooperation is much more interesting than in a purely national context. We bring the different traditions together and we work together for the good of Europe. And that is incredibly enriching."

Helga Schmid

Secretary General of the European External Service (EEAS)

“We cannot take the cooperation and coexistence of the people in Europe for granted. On the contrary, we must take a stand and work for this grand idea of Europe’s founding fathers each and every day. This includes a fair treatment of the European institutions: We should be happy for Europe’s achievements.”

Manfred Weber

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the EPP Group

“Europe is more and more moving away from its humanist values and foundation and is thus losing the internal bond of its citizens.”

Prof. Dr. Ernst Struck

Representative of the University of Passau in the consortium for the establishment of the Turkish-German University of Istanbul

“Europe is diversity, unity, family and most importantly it is home.”

Maryia Kukharava

Senior Communications Officer at the Erasmus Mundus Association

“Let’s rethink Europe and shape the future.”

Prof. Dr. Theresa Kuhn

University of Amsterdam

“Europe is unique in its diversity. It’s an association of great countries with many strengths but also weaknesses. It is important to bundle these strengths with vision and drive to ensure that Europe remains a viable and pleasant place of peace for the next generations.”

Andreas Fill

Managing Director, CEO, Fill Gesellschaft GmbH

“I’m very impressed by the variety of viewing angels that are being chosen at this congress.”

Alf Henryk Wulf

Chairman of GE Power AG

“The European idea becomes tangible where the three European rivers meet, near the border triangle between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. RETHINKEUROPE invites you to look beyond the ‘Europe of today’ and think about the ‘Europe of tomorrow’.”

Manfred Weber

Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the EPP Group

“For Europe’s future, it is of utmost importance that we bring personalities together who seriously and responsibly reflect on the shared European future and do not fear debates.”

Prof. Dr. Ernst Struck

Representative of the University of Passau in the consortium for the establishment of the Turkish-German University of Istanbul

“I have heard from every participant I talked to, that they enjoyed chatting and arguing about the world, about Europe and about the exchange between cultures, but also ultimately finding common ground again in a good and constructive environment.”

Prof. Dr. Martin Selmayr

Head of Cabinet to the President of the European Commission

“We all should have respect for the diversity of cultures so that we can learn to be engaged. Therefore, I think icunet is a very good partner!”

Katharina Pahl

Chief Human Resources Officer, DORMA Holding GmbH + Co. KGaA

“Only a united Europe can ensure peace, freedom and the well-being of its citizens.”

Aydan Özoguz

Minister of State to the Federal Government for Migrants, Refugees and Integration

“Europe is a moving continent. Approaching neighbors is the proven principle of peacekeeping. The people in Europe benefit from a joint development and can harvest the success together. An important role is played here be the media. It must recognize and name danger. Only educated people can realize their ideals together.”

Peter Limbourg

Director General, Deutsche Welle

“A company has to reinvent itself over and over again.”

Thilo Kuther

CEO Pixomondo and Oscar winner 2012

“#rethinkeurope makes you stop and think about your daily life and parts of it that can seem too mundane, but are in reality are the true identifier of who you are as a person and a citizen.”

Maryia Kukharava

Senior Communications Officer at the Erasmus Mundus Association

“Between Brexit, the refugee crises and geopolitical tensions, Europe must not lose sight of its ideals.”

Prof. Dr. Theresa Kuhn

University of Amsterdam

“The motto, spirit and the people behind it are a guarantee for revitalizing our European home. The conflict between unity and diversity can only be successfully solved by true-to-life solidary and subsidiarity.”

Dr. Walter Koren

Director General of Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (2002 – 2017)

“When I think about Europe, the first thing that comes to my mind are my studies. It was the first time I experienced what it meant to live, study and work in another country without barriers. Those freedoms connected a young generation. That’s why it is even more frightening now that we are reverting to old times and rigid boarders. The short-dated selfishness of specific countries is more important than solving the grand challenges of our saturated society.”

Doris Hummer

President of the Federal Economic Chamber of Upper Austria

“8 out of 10 employees of Allianz work in Europe, we generate 70 percent of our turnover here – from Portugal to Rumania and from Ireland to Italy. We could not have written our success story without a united, peaceful and strong Europe. Europe offers companies and each one of us incredible possibilities and opportunities. That is everything but a matter of course. That’s why we all have a strong responsibility to keep this achievement of a united Europe alive – without the young generations and their enthusiasm for Europe it will not be possible.”

Dr. Christian Finckh

Chief Human Resources Officer, Allianz SE

“Europe’s unity is the basis for the economic strength of its member states and is of fundamental importance to hold its ground in global competition.”

Knurt Bartsch

Andreas Fill

“We must get Europe’s values and potential across to our people in order to move to the next stage.”

Bernd Eulitz

Member of the Excecutive Board, Linde AG

“This event offers a good platform for cross-industry exchange and can help to set the future political course correctly.”

Knurt Bartsch

Managing Director, KERMI GmbH

“‘United in diversity’ is the motto of the EU. Sadly, the trends point in the opposite direction. ‘Diversity without unity?’ The European Congress in Passau resolves the tension magnificently.”

Dr. Walter Koren

Director General of Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (2002 – 2017)

“What I like very much here is the mixture of guests from business, politics, religion and social institutions as well as the discussion platform. The dialogues take place at a totally different level and we try to better understand one another."

Hubert Barth

Country Managing Partner EY Germany, Ernst & Young GmbH

Chapters 2018

#rethinkeurope takes a closer look at the European development within its borders and in the context of global change. The event takes place in the European city of Passau and offers the platform for constructive exchange between European economy and politics: Which challenges and opportunities will we face in the future and how will we go about them? How can we learn from each other? And where do we take responsibility for Europe’s global future?